Anne Bierschenk, 95, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Whidbey Island, Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Anne was born Feb. 14, 1914. She was the fifth child of Paul Figura and Suzanne Visnoec Figura and was raised on a small farm in Savage, Minn. Her sister, Helen, will be moving to Whidbey Island next week.

As a young lad, Norman Bierschenk, her husband of over 73 years, used to visit the neighboring Gus Nelson farm. When Norm saw this young gal walking along on her toes, with her head held high, he lost his heart.

After a courtship of seven years, Anne and Norm were married on Nov. 9, 1935. To this day, he refers to his Annie as the “prettiest girl in the county.” Norman will greatly miss his other half.

Anne and Norm were blessed with three children, Sandra (Gary) Holmberg, Darwyn, and Lance (Sherryl) Bierschenk. Anne was proud to be a mom. Her greatest joy in life was her children.

Anne and Norman lived in many places. Some of the best years of their lives were spent living and working in foreign lands, including Africa and South America. After their travels, they returned to the United States, living in California, Minnesota and finally Washington.

Anne — wife, mother, grandmother and friend — you will be deeply missed. Your memory and ideals live on with your daughter’s family; Sandra and Gary Holmberg, Christine and Scott Ippalito, Jon and Angie Holmberg (Brianna, Alanna, Cianna); your son Darwyn’s family, Norman, Jaason, Heidi (and her son Cameron), and Haans (and his son Parker); your son Lance and Sherryl’s family, Morgan, Adam (and his son Jay), and Jessica Nichole.

Anne Bierschenk’s motto was, “The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.” (George Wills)

Her family honored her life at a private memorial service in the Sanctuary at the Whidbey Institute, a small chapel in the woods, on Wednesday, March 18.

In lieu of flowers, send memorial gifts to the Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool Scholarship Fund, PO Box 97, Freeland, WA 98249.